CHICAGO — Parking restrictions that popped up Tuesday were a surprise to residents and the alderman who said the measures were not discussed in meetings with law enforcement officials.
Several residents on the city’s Near West Side who spoke with WGN said they attended public meetings and were told there would be no restrictions on their blocks. Signage seen near West Monroe and South Leavitt that extends several blocks outside the publicized security perimeter indicates otherwise.
“No notification,” said resident Vicky McClure. “This was the first time that I saw it, when I came out today. And then we’re having to make accommodations starting tomorrow, the 14th. Unfair.”
The surprise parking ban is in place beginning at 8 a.m. Aug. 14 and runs through 8 p.m. on Aug. 25, according to the signs.
“People would have planned if they had been notified at all in advance,” neighbor Karen Williams said.
Ald. Walter Burnett (27th Ward) said the parking restrictions impacting about a thousand residents may be a misunderstanding and that he was working on a fix Tuesday evening.
“That’s insane and inhumane and inconsiderate for people who live in this neighborhood,” he said.
According to Burnett, the parking bans were put in place to provide alternate routes for DNC buses and rideshares.
The Chicago Department of Transportation told WGN in a statement, “The City has been working closely with the U.S. Secret Service to minimize parking impacts for residents near the United Center. Due to security and logistical needs, some parking spaces on the streets outside the security perimeter will be affected.”
Said Burnett, “They think somebody moved too fast too far, so I’m hoping we will see some relief now.”
Burnett said he spent Tuesday negotiating, and there is some movement. The signs are already coming down on Vicky and Karen’s block. He also added some blocks closer to the United Center will likely still have a parking ban, but its implementation could be delayed until closer to the start of the DNC.
The Chicago Department of Transportation also told WGN that it plans to release more information Wednesday and throughout the week.
Democrats will host their nominating convention in Chicago August 19-22. Chicago has hosted Democrats 12 times, the last being nearly 30 years ago when President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second term.